Why it can be a good truck
The 2016 F-150 is part of Ford's thirteenth generation, with a lighter, rust-resistant aluminum body. Engine choices matter: a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 (base), the well-liked 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo V6, the more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and the simple, durable 5.0-liter V8, all with a six-speed automatic this year (the ten-speed arrived on some 2017 trucks). It's capable, comfortable, and hugely supported. Bought carefully, it's a lot of truck for the money.
The engine decides it
- 2.7-liter EcoBoost Generally the sweet spot — strong, efficient, and well-regarded.
- 5.0-liter V8 The simplest, most predictable choice; some use a little oil, so check the level and records.
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost The one to scrutinize. The second-generation 3.5 EcoBoost is known for cam-phaser wear — a startup rattle from the variable-valve-timing components that, left unaddressed, can lead to serious timing damage. Ford ran a customer-satisfaction program for cam phasers, but its coverage centered on 2017–2020 trucks, so a 2016 may fall outside it — verify a healthy one carefully.
Open recalls — check the VIN
The 2016 F-150 carried a number of recalls. Every one is VIN-specific, so check the exact truck's open recalls free by VIN at NHTSA; a Ford dealer completes any open recall at no charge.
Aluminum body — a repair note
The aluminum body resists rust, but it costs more to repair after a collision and needs a body shop equipped and certified for aluminum. That makes a clean, well-documented accident history matter even more on this truck than on most.
What a history report tells you — and what it doesn't
On a car like this, the individual car's history is most of the decision. A history report is a record of what got reported — title brands, reported accidents and damage, odometer readings over time, and service records where they exist. That is what separates a clean, maintained example from a salvage-title or flood car wearing the same badge.
What a history report is not is a forecast, and an absence of records is not proof of a clean past — plenty happens to a car that never gets reported. That is why the honest answer is always the pair: the documented history and an in-person inspection by a mechanic you trust, on the specific car.
On a truck, add one question a history report helps with: how hard it worked. A one-owner truck that towed within its limits and was serviced is a different animal from a neglected work or fleet rig, even at the same mileage.
The things to check before you buy
- Which engine Identify the engine and price the risk accordingly — the 3.5-liter EcoBoost needs the closest look for cam-phaser rattle.
- Cold-start rattle Listen at a genuine cold start on EcoBoost trucks for cam-phaser rattle; watch for any power loss on a test drive.
- Recall status Confirm all open recalls are completed on this VIN.
- Aluminum-body repairs A clean, well-documented accident history matters more on an aluminum-body truck.
- Hard use Look underneath and for signs of tow/work abuse without maintenance.
What would make you walk
- A 3.5-liter EcoBoost with a cam-phaser rattle A cold-start rattle or power loss the seller won't investigate — this one can get expensive.
- Poorly repaired aluminum-body damage Especially if not done at an aluminum-certified shop.
- A neglected work or tow rig Hard use with no maintenance records.
- Frame rust or structural damage On a truck, the frame is not the place to compromise.